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CMHC MLI Select is a CMHC multi-unit mortgage loan insurance program for rental properties that offers preferential insurance terms — such as extended amortization or premium treatment — to projects that meet CMHC’s criteria for affordability, energy efficiency, or accessibility, scored on a points system set entirely by CMHC.
MLI Select scores an eligible rental project against CMHC’s published criteria across affordability, energy efficiency, and accessibility, with the specific point thresholds, tiers, and resulting benefits set and updated by CMHC rather than by individual lenders. Because these program parameters change and are administered directly by the insurer, brokers, agents, and investment-property borrowers should confirm current points, tiers, and premium treatment directly on CMHC’s program page rather than relying on a fixed figure.
MLI Select sits within CMHC’s broader portfolio insurance and multi-unit insurance offerings and is distinct from the default insurance used on owner-occupied 1–4 unit purchases; it is aimed at purpose-built rental and larger multi-unit investment property financing.
CMHC-administered program: MLI Select is a CMHC product; program rules, point thresholds, and premium tiers are set and updated by CMHC directly, not negotiated with individual lenders.
Targets multi-unit rental, not owner-occupied purchases: the program applies to eligible multi-unit rental properties rather than the 1–4 unit owner-occupied purchases most default insurance is known for.
Criteria-based, not automatic: benefits depend on meeting CMHC’s affordability, energy efficiency, and/or accessibility criteria — confirm current qualifying criteria on CMHC’s site before assuming eligibility.
Check current terms before quoting: because point systems and premium tiers can be updated by CMHC, always verify current program details directly rather than citing a fixed figure.
Definitions reflect Canadian federal and provincial rules as of the “Updated” date above. Not advice for any specific file.
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